#CSUN16 Audio: The VarioUltra from Baum Just Keeps Getting Better

Since its launch in 2014, the VarioUltra from Baum has continued to gain favor in the blind community. This Braille display can connect to five devices at once, and includes some notetaking capabilities.

In this audio, Joe talks with David Bradburn about the success of the VarioUltra, as well as some planned enhancements to the product. Joe and David also talk about the VisioPro, the company s newest desktop magnifier.

As a satisfied VU user I find it wonderful for my personal productivity. But it's still challenging to teach its usage to others. It does have a plethora of menus and dialog boxes, so one doesn't need to memorize keystrokes. I find as I grow more efficient with this display that I use the shortcut keys more often, memorizing a few every week. But for users who don't want learning curves, we still need an easy Braille display without extra keys, buttons and switches. I'm really glad I purchased the VU; it works great for me. I have not found it that useful, however, for encouraging the use of refreshable Braille because people find the number of controls bewilderingly complex.

Joe Steinkamp is no stranger to the world of technology, having been a user of video magnification and blindness related electronic devices since 1979. Joe has worked in radio, retail management and Vocational Rehabilitation for blind and low vision individuals in Texas. He has been writing about the A.T. Industry for10 years and podcasting about it for nearly 5 years.